Grad school leaves small blocks of time- not long enough for the epic death marches of central PA and undergrad programs but long enough for me to want to puke most of the time...
you really can't take the race mentality out of someone after they win a few races...belive me- it would be way nicer to look around and relax...
e
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
How far do we have to go?
With the Kuth/Ranieri book (that monster of a monograph that I was originally hired to manage putting together) is now in the press's hands, the weekends have returned to us...and... well, we've been taking advantage of what has become our two favorite places--the woods of Marin County and Chinatown. When we finally leave this place, it must be these two places that could ever be worth missing: Chinatown with Pho served at a table with fifteen other people, amazing buns full of goodness, the best prices on fresh vegetables (even if we have no idea how to cook most of them once we get them home); and, as for Marin, they're woods out of a fairy tale book. And, did I mention that these are the best places to get away from all the folks with too much money and too little respect for others? Actually, you have to skirt them on all sides that bound the goodness, but once you know where they lurk, it's much easier to dodge and then heckle.
E and I have spent hours batting back and forth what could be the root of the nature of folk we continue to be confronted with here...and as 10 $2 beers at the abandoned diner just a few blocks from our pad would justify... we've come to a few well-conceived, beautifully constructed conclusions from the consequences of a wild-west mentality to the problem of liberals with too much cash (yeah those are the ones found everywhere but most abundantly in SF... no, you know the type. they wear really tight "faded" gray jeans, ride beat up bikes that are too big for them to their fancy two-bedroom, over-priced apartment in the Mission where their Prius is parked and which they will precede to drive to Trader Joe's and park their empty cart that holds their groceries for one person in the middle of one diagonal aisle while they ponder the different granolas that are ALWAYS the same at the other end of the aisle....those ones.) You may say, well at least they drive a Prius, right? Well, I would agree if I didn't know the danger of an asshole in that quiet car sneaking up the bike lane to skip around traffic.
Do I sound bitter? Perhaps... that's what the weekends in Chinatown and the Marin woods are for. For one, they won't populate places they won't be seen, and well, the grit and crowds of Stockton and the deep forest beyond the wooden planks of the Cataract waterfall and the Muir Redwood "trails" provides neither brunch or plate glass windows for folks to see you. Still, as E reminds me... a few slip through the cracks and get lost in both places...and they see us and ask either "How much farther until the end?" or "Where should we eat here in Chinatown?"-- to which we answer "How far would you like to go?" to both...knowing that both uphill and raw beef that cooks in the soup as you eat it probably is too far.
What he would do for an image...
lunch spot...not too bad
I'm learning the new camera...near...
and far...
and in between...
these trees are everywhere...kuh-raz-ee
And E's learning to use the camera too...we're so proud...he's getting there.
this one's for the boys back home, e says
we made this together....
that's the Pacific you see... oh and that boy, yeah...he's alright too
but way cooler now... because nothing says cool like prescription sunglasses, right?
and believe it or not, this dog
is...
also this booze-hound. nice, pep...
and a note to end this bitter posting on...cause what else could make you feel better than...
E and I have spent hours batting back and forth what could be the root of the nature of folk we continue to be confronted with here...and as 10 $2 beers at the abandoned diner just a few blocks from our pad would justify... we've come to a few well-conceived, beautifully constructed conclusions from the consequences of a wild-west mentality to the problem of liberals with too much cash (yeah those are the ones found everywhere but most abundantly in SF... no, you know the type. they wear really tight "faded" gray jeans, ride beat up bikes that are too big for them to their fancy two-bedroom, over-priced apartment in the Mission where their Prius is parked and which they will precede to drive to Trader Joe's and park their empty cart that holds their groceries for one person in the middle of one diagonal aisle while they ponder the different granolas that are ALWAYS the same at the other end of the aisle....those ones.) You may say, well at least they drive a Prius, right? Well, I would agree if I didn't know the danger of an asshole in that quiet car sneaking up the bike lane to skip around traffic.
Do I sound bitter? Perhaps... that's what the weekends in Chinatown and the Marin woods are for. For one, they won't populate places they won't be seen, and well, the grit and crowds of Stockton and the deep forest beyond the wooden planks of the Cataract waterfall and the Muir Redwood "trails" provides neither brunch or plate glass windows for folks to see you. Still, as E reminds me... a few slip through the cracks and get lost in both places...and they see us and ask either "How much farther until the end?" or "Where should we eat here in Chinatown?"-- to which we answer "How far would you like to go?" to both...knowing that both uphill and raw beef that cooks in the soup as you eat it probably is too far.
What he would do for an image...
lunch spot...not too bad
I'm learning the new camera...near...
and far...
and in between...
these trees are everywhere...kuh-raz-ee
And E's learning to use the camera too...we're so proud...he's getting there.
this one's for the boys back home, e says
we made this together....
that's the Pacific you see... oh and that boy, yeah...he's alright too
but way cooler now... because nothing says cool like prescription sunglasses, right?
and believe it or not, this dog
is...
also this booze-hound. nice, pep...
and a note to end this bitter posting on...cause what else could make you feel better than...
Monday, February 2, 2009
Thanks for your concern...
So we are supposed to keep our bikes in the garage here in the building. I did it over the weekend and many of my parts were stolen off my frame. I went to the building manager knowing that the bike rack was under the surveillance camera to see if I could find out who took my parts. Nope! Turns out they would rather not stop someone from stealing things. They did offer their "concern" regarding my loss- nice. If you are reading this you have a pretty good idea of who I am. That being said- enjoy the letter I dropped off for the management office tonight. I am proud of this one!
Your favorite pain in the ass- eric
Dear Folsom/Dore Management,
I want to take a moment to thank you for your concern in dealing with the recent theft. In hindsight, my request to see surveillance footage from the security cameras was unreasonable. Knowing full well that the strategically placed cameras are meant to be a deterrent to those breaking the law and a tool to instill a sense of safety with building residents- the request to know who stole parts from my bicycle may encroach on the thief’s right to privacy is unreasonable. The prospect of keeping a person from breaking the law is a hold over from my New England puritan roots.
It has become clear that in haste and hot temper that I looked past the community aspect of the building in wanting to protect my personal belongings. In lieu of this new information (the fact that the criminal is protected at all costs), I will no longer be concerning myself with this recent incident. Instead- I will make an event of this and find the joy of consumerism. Please don’t let the fact that we fall well short of the minimum income to qualify for residency here fool you- I look forward to investing a portion of my income to replace the bike parts.
Not only is the bicycle that was rendered useless by the theft a personal memento of my racing past- it also was my main form of transportation. Please don’t read this letter as a plea that a bike is more than just a bike. Most people see bikes as recreation and not serious transportation and this solidifies that the management holds this stance. As a new resident I was under the impression that alternative transportation was encouraged.
Again- I thank you for your concern. Along with that- I thank you for reminding me that the individual is powerless in the eyes of the system. The fact that you posses proof of theft and more than likely the identity of the thief only proves that the system is built to protect some and not others.
Eric Roman
Your favorite pain in the ass- eric
Dear Folsom/Dore Management,
I want to take a moment to thank you for your concern in dealing with the recent theft. In hindsight, my request to see surveillance footage from the security cameras was unreasonable. Knowing full well that the strategically placed cameras are meant to be a deterrent to those breaking the law and a tool to instill a sense of safety with building residents- the request to know who stole parts from my bicycle may encroach on the thief’s right to privacy is unreasonable. The prospect of keeping a person from breaking the law is a hold over from my New England puritan roots.
It has become clear that in haste and hot temper that I looked past the community aspect of the building in wanting to protect my personal belongings. In lieu of this new information (the fact that the criminal is protected at all costs), I will no longer be concerning myself with this recent incident. Instead- I will make an event of this and find the joy of consumerism. Please don’t let the fact that we fall well short of the minimum income to qualify for residency here fool you- I look forward to investing a portion of my income to replace the bike parts.
Not only is the bicycle that was rendered useless by the theft a personal memento of my racing past- it also was my main form of transportation. Please don’t read this letter as a plea that a bike is more than just a bike. Most people see bikes as recreation and not serious transportation and this solidifies that the management holds this stance. As a new resident I was under the impression that alternative transportation was encouraged.
Again- I thank you for your concern. Along with that- I thank you for reminding me that the individual is powerless in the eyes of the system. The fact that you posses proof of theft and more than likely the identity of the thief only proves that the system is built to protect some and not others.
Eric Roman
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
dirtbag's day out
Sunday was a day we all needed it seemed... after our brief tastes of the east [Patrick and Carolanne to Martha's Vineyard] (or eastward [aka Arkansas]), a trip just across the bridge to Kirby Cove for a quick hike in the "woods" was good medicine. We didn't need much: something a little warm (it was a good 65 degrees and sunny), good chatting, and the dog (she would have been pissed if we went without her, and no one should mess with a DC native, they say). So, we explored, broke the law by taking Pepper, heckled the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club as they practiced near the cove, lost the dog, found the dog, hiked back up through the "woods" and found ourselves amazingly refreshed. Then, the real treat of the day came with a quick trip to the IGA for some snacks. But, who knew that so many of the Bay Area's "outdoorsy" peeps would be out parked along the side of the road "getting out." We threw out our previous picnic at a table idea and found a perfect spot in the shade/sun on the side of the road in a grove of bay laurel (yep, we all grabbed some for soups later!). Yep, you can't hold down dirtbags determined to chill, eat, and drink their box wine.
but... I'm Pepper!
the grizzly man goeth...
the woman who cut his hair in chinatown took one look at that beard, and made it clear...we don't shave beards here...
i'd be scared too... that's a lot of hair.
before.... and after.... awww what a handsome boy! We can see your face again!
but... I'm Pepper!
the grizzly man goeth...
the woman who cut his hair in chinatown took one look at that beard, and made it clear...we don't shave beards here...
i'd be scared too... that's a lot of hair.
before.... and after.... awww what a handsome boy! We can see your face again!
Monday, January 12, 2009
perfect example...
So, I am meeting this dude to look at my bike that he might buy from me. The guy is nice and his lady friend is as well...things are going as they should.
As we talk there is this shady guy walking around us (we are in a Starbucks parking lot at 4th and Bryant) acting weird...I mean odd! Now, it's SoMa so I don't pay it any mind- dudes are always acting odd. The funny thing is that he looks like he has a real nice job. Nice cloths and fancy sunglasses and shoes...
Before too long the dude looking at the bike takes it for a test ride. As I was making small talk with his lady friend a police cruiser pulls into the parking lot and the officer marches over to the shady guy. Next thing I know the cop is walking up to me (again- chillin' and making small talk) demanding my I.D. The cop runs my information and asks to look in my bag for a computer that was stolen along with a wallet and keys from this guys office when he wasn't there (lock the door?). Seems I fit the description of a computer thief. Interesting. I think about it as the cop goes to talk to the shady guy that now reveals himself as my accuser.
So what is the description the cop was given....?
White male? check
Shaggy beard? check
Ear rings? check
Fancy ass Italian Designer Framed glasses? check
Bad tattoos done by younger brother? check
State College Spikes Away Uniform Fitted wool cap? check
Conversation about how S.F. sucks? check
Stained and torn Centre County Bike Coalition t-shirt? check
By this time the cops gave me back my license and fill me in- turns out the guy is out of his mind. As the cops leave the dude has the nerve to get in my face and tell me that "if you can return my things this will all be over- no questions asked..." Well- that thrilled me to tears. I mean really- why not further mess with someone you don't know? I mean really? Do I look like that is something I want to deal with? So...
me- "what are you saying?"
ass- "I just know "things" and want my stuff back"
me- "you really want to start this?"
ass- "I want my things back...no questions"
-I stand up to look this ass in the face-
me- "you need to get out of my face"
ass- "you know where my things are"
At that point I stop the cops as they are leaving and "ask" them to deal with this guy "'cause he is starting things that he wont want to deal with..."
the cops scold him and appologize to me for the trouble as he tries to take a picture of me with his phone...
What the hell do people think?
So, the kid is going to think about the bike and it only reenforces how I feel about this place. It sucks. The people suck. I can't wait to be done and leave. Hell- most of the time it takes everything I have to not just jump on the bus and head east...where I belong!
I really miss the east and all my friends back in PA.
Eric "this place blows worse than I could have ever imagined...how do you like it?" Roman
As we talk there is this shady guy walking around us (we are in a Starbucks parking lot at 4th and Bryant) acting weird...I mean odd! Now, it's SoMa so I don't pay it any mind- dudes are always acting odd. The funny thing is that he looks like he has a real nice job. Nice cloths and fancy sunglasses and shoes...
Before too long the dude looking at the bike takes it for a test ride. As I was making small talk with his lady friend a police cruiser pulls into the parking lot and the officer marches over to the shady guy. Next thing I know the cop is walking up to me (again- chillin' and making small talk) demanding my I.D. The cop runs my information and asks to look in my bag for a computer that was stolen along with a wallet and keys from this guys office when he wasn't there (lock the door?). Seems I fit the description of a computer thief. Interesting. I think about it as the cop goes to talk to the shady guy that now reveals himself as my accuser.
So what is the description the cop was given....?
White male? check
Shaggy beard? check
Ear rings? check
Fancy ass Italian Designer Framed glasses? check
Bad tattoos done by younger brother? check
State College Spikes Away Uniform Fitted wool cap? check
Conversation about how S.F. sucks? check
Stained and torn Centre County Bike Coalition t-shirt? check
By this time the cops gave me back my license and fill me in- turns out the guy is out of his mind. As the cops leave the dude has the nerve to get in my face and tell me that "if you can return my things this will all be over- no questions asked..." Well- that thrilled me to tears. I mean really- why not further mess with someone you don't know? I mean really? Do I look like that is something I want to deal with? So...
me- "what are you saying?"
ass- "I just know "things" and want my stuff back"
me- "you really want to start this?"
ass- "I want my things back...no questions"
-I stand up to look this ass in the face-
me- "you need to get out of my face"
ass- "you know where my things are"
At that point I stop the cops as they are leaving and "ask" them to deal with this guy "'cause he is starting things that he wont want to deal with..."
the cops scold him and appologize to me for the trouble as he tries to take a picture of me with his phone...
What the hell do people think?
So, the kid is going to think about the bike and it only reenforces how I feel about this place. It sucks. The people suck. I can't wait to be done and leave. Hell- most of the time it takes everything I have to not just jump on the bus and head east...where I belong!
I really miss the east and all my friends back in PA.
Eric "this place blows worse than I could have ever imagined...how do you like it?" Roman
Sunday, January 4, 2009
2103 miles each way...sore and broken but home
So, what did you do over the break? We decided to rent a car for 16 days and head back to Gretta land (Paragould, Arkansas) to chill out and eat animals. With the drop in gas prices and 50.00 a day for fancy city-like dog kennel fees- it was way cheaper to drop the cash on renting the car and the 2 days each way (well...aside from the recovery days associated with 2 18hr days on the road).
You may also notice a nicer image quality- we upped for a digital camera so the iPhone images are going to take a rest for now.
You may also notice a nicer image quality- we upped for a digital camera so the iPhone images are going to take a rest for now.
Gretta bonding with Orin (her dad- if you couldn't see the resemblance-Gretta is the one wearing glasses)
Me "bonding" with the perspective mother-in-law one beverage at a time...I think she's really down with the cause! (Hi Ann!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Orin and me chillin in the shop making stuff with all his tools talking about the money I lost last night in the poker game and how he took my only chance to win a game of cards...I can't wait to have in-laws! Orin- you owe me $33.00!
New Years Eve playing BINGO, I fit in so smoothly in North East Arkansas that you might not recognize me- I am wearing the hat and glasses. Laugh if you will- I won 3 games of BINGO and the family took 6 games in all. I may be selling my bikes and going on the pro Bingo tour in the spring.
Who else? Gretta. Thanks for driving!
"I really need MORE camo to fit in?"
One of the nicest things about our wedding so far is Gretta and Ann making the dresses. Ladies- here is a peek. She looked great in it when trying it on. For those pictures you'll have to pay.
Even a new camera can't make images taken from the passenger seat any better. There are loads and here are two to get the game going.
Even a new camera can't make images taken from the passenger seat any better. There are loads and here are two to get the game going.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
So here it is the last week of classes and I find time to post on our blog...I really hope you all enjoy my being crushed with work out here...honestly- it helps me deal with this place when I can't take the time to fester about how much I miss frozen snot-cicles on my beard from the freezing temperatures of the Mid-Atlantic...oh the days! I do need a light jacket when we walk Pepper at night...sometimes I even need to zip it up ...sometimes...
Nothing like putting the most brash young man's work next to the landscapes of the old man...the one image is a pee stain...not quite a bare ass but as close as I'm gonna get this semester.
As many of you know- I love my book making and here is the latest stack of images for my accordion book. 38 little images waiting to be a full grown up book.
I really want to just ride my bike and forget the papers, essay, artists statement, and book making for the day...Gretta won't let me...damn...
Oh- that hair is the real deal! NO PRODUCT! Hipsters eat your hearts out!!!
Yoga page folding...the only way to make books at home! Not as fit as I used to be but I can still bend more than I should!
This here is my new book! 14.5ft long, 38 images, and 2 days since I showered...stress is fun. Fruit flavored Tums make a great mid day snack.
Never leave the dog alone with your sandals and an open beer while you run to the store...neither one really worked out for me- Pepper seemed to enjoy both...
as always...
e and g and drunk, passed out, wearing my sandals...PEPPER!
Oh- that hair is the real deal! NO PRODUCT! Hipsters eat your hearts out!!!
as always...
e and g and drunk, passed out, wearing my sandals...PEPPER!
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